KaBokweni foundation empowers schoolgirls

The NgiHlophe Foundation is a new non-profit organisation founded by a trio of locals in Sifunindlela Trust.

Promise Tshabalala, Sfiso Malisa and Samkelo Magagula conducted their first community outreach programme at Sibhulo Secondary School on Tuesday June 20.

Tshabalala said they collected 158 packs of sanitary towels and donated them to the school. “We had put out messages for sponsorships on social media for individuals and local businesses to support the initiative. We are grateful to all the sponsors who heeded our call.”

Tshabalala said the organisation was founded exactly a month ago, on May 20, with the aim to uplift their most underprivileged communities in KaBokweni.

“Our goal is to find ways to help less fortunate children and households by providing some necessities for them, such as food and sanitary towels. We also want to be a community organisation that tackles inequality.”

She said the decision to make the first donation to Sibhulo Secondary School was close to her heart.

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“I asked my co-founders to conduct our first programme at my former secondary school. I was one of those learners who struggled to get sanitary pads when I menstruated. I could not get them at home, and I wished I received some from school. It is heartbreaking to see girls who still struggle to get sanitary pads, and some even stay away from school when they menstruate.”

Malisa said this was a successful start to the long journey they have planned. “We are working towards building a home-based care facility in KaBokweni that will provide food for the less fortunate daily. We will also collect clothes and school shoes to give away.”

Tshabalala confidently said they will cut the ribbon at the opening of the facility next year.

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They added they are looking for more sponsorships of any kind, including clothes for children, school shoes, sanitary pads and food parcels.

They can be contacted on 079 749 0454, or send a message on their Facebook page, NgiHlophe Foundation.